1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2009 Dodge Ram is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 6,690 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Ram (350 HP @ 3013 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 208 kg more than 2009 Dodge Ram.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Dodge Ram (827 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 653 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Ram has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Ram will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 520 | Ram |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 6690 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3013 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 827 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 132 L |
